Former Kenyan Justice Minister Detained in Tanzania Amid Political Turmoil

Martha Karua, a prominent Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister, has been detained in Tanzania while attempting to attend the court appearance of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The move has drawn strong condemnation from human rights groups, reflecting increasing concern over Tanzania's treatment of dissent ahead of key elections.

Leading Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister, Martha Karua, was reportedly detained upon arrival at Tanzania's main airport, where she intended to attend the court hearing for opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Karua, known for her advocacy of human rights, took to social media to announce her detention, stating that she, along with two colleagues, is awaiting deportation. The Tanzanian authorities have yet to provide an official statement on the incident.

Tundu Lissu faces serious treason charges that have raised alarm, as they carry a potential death penalty. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Lissu, the leader of the opposition Chadema party, was detained under controversial circumstances following his rally advocating for electoral reforms—a call for measures deemed necessary for fair elections in Tanzania.

Karua is renowned for her commitment to human rights and has voiced strong criticism towards what she perceives as a decline in democracy in East Africa. In addition to Lissu, she had been advocating for Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who was forcibly returned to Uganda and similarly faces treason charges, which he also claims to be politically motivated.

During her detention, Karua was questioned for three hours, and her passport was confiscated. Reports indicate that her colleagues, fellow attorney Gloria Kimani and human rights activist Lynn Ngugi, were also detained. The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition has condemned the "arbitrary arrests," emphasizing that Karua had previously been permitted entry to observe earlier court proceedings involving Lissu.

As Tanzania gears up for presidential and parliamentary elections later this year, these events highlight growing concerns over governmental crackdowns on opposition. Lissu's Chadema party has been barred from participating in the elections due to its noncompliance with a problematic code of conduct mandated by the electoral commission, which critics argue is designed to stifle opposition voices.

The ruling CCM party, which has held power in Tanzania since 1977, is likely to maintain its dominance, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan expected to be the party's candidate. Her administration was initially lauded for providing greater political openness after taking office in 2021 but has faced allegations of reverting to the suppression reminiscent of her predecessor, John Magufuli's rule. The government denies any such claims. As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution and respect for democratic processes.